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01.04.2013

Belarus seeks to expand its presence in Latin America

MINSK, 1 April (BelTA) – Belarus is determined to intensify its operations in Latin America, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei said in an interview with the RIA Novosti and BelTA news agencies.

“We are going to step up our operations in this region and make our embassy in Venezuela a kind of regional headquarters of all embassies that are operating or will be opened in Latin America,” the Foreign Minister said.

Vladimir Makei believes that despite the demise of President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, Belarus will continue cooperating with this country and the entire region. “I am convinced that the things we have already done will help us maintain momentum in our all-round cooperation with Venezuela. Belarus and Venezuela have developed very close and successful cooperation in areas, like manufacturing, agriculture, joint oil production, provision of gas supply services in Venezuela, etc,” he said.

“I cannot know for sure, but I believe that Chavez’ successors will win the forthcoming elections. We wish them good luck. Anyways, if somebody in Venezuela decides to cut off ties with Belarus, this will be more detrimental to Venezuela, because we have set up joint ventures to produce tractors, vehicles, construction materials there; we are constructing agrotowns and running a number of other projects that will benefit both Belarus and Venezuela,” the Foreign Minister said.

Vladimir Makei underlined that Hugo Chavez was a great personality and probably a bit of perfectionist, because he believed that he will turn Venezuela and entire Latin America into a region of social justice. “He has done a lot for that. Venezuela has transformed considerably over the years of his presidency. After his demise Latin America and the entire world felt a bit forsaken,” the Foreign Minister said.